Nightglow Window

Beach Day, part deux

As stipulated by law, we take a break from our labors today. Another gorgeous morning and we're out the door like a shot, heading up to Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach to meet "the gang."

Strange, but it's the first time we've all been together in a while--although the circle really isn't complete without Brian and Robyn and the rest of the Cary, N.C. Harrower clan.

Crescent Bay is typical Laguna this morning: steep shorebreak, crystal clear water, and unmistakably beautiful. It's also a nice halfway point for Jeff and Lizz from Redondo Beach, Martin and Lisa from Long Beach, and our brood from good ol' Carlsbad.

We arrive early at 9:45 a.m., but parking is already a challenge. Too many scuba divers hogging the good parking spots, waddling down the steep path to the beach.

I grab my snorkel and mask and go see what the fuss is all about.

There's something unnerving about swimming up to a dark reef from bright sand. As I get close to the underwater shelves at the north side of the bay, however, the subtle fear is replaced with wonder.

I drift over bright purple beds of sea urchins a thousand strong, where orange Garibaldis swim and schools of minnows dart past my head. Orange-green starfish as big as dinner plates cling to the crazy contours of this underwater palace. Kelp dances to the surge.

I slowly kick up and then drift over the sight, trying hard to ignore the cold. From a dozen yards away, another guy motions me over. He's found an octopus and it crawls all over his hand, slimy gray and tentacles.

Pretty cool.

The kids are having a great time too--although it's too shorebreaky for Hannah to get many waves today.

All the kids have known each other since they were born (before that in a few cases) and they get along well.

We head over to the tidepools, the sharp reef is killing my soft haole feet since I forgot shoes. The pain is almost worth it when I see the pools and the whole setup and the girls' reaction to it all.

We stay at the beach for a long time, talking story and just hanging out. The news is good about Liz's dad. Stage two cancer of the kidney, but they think they got it out in time.

Lizz also met Johnny Depp last week, but that's another story.

The sun tracks across the sky and we goof off and laugh and lounge and swim and talk and eat cupcakes and play. Dolphins swim by. Yachts power offshore. Planes with banners slowly buzz overhead and there’re kayaks and even more scuba divers.

Everyone is out today for fun.

It's a good "official" end to summer--although I'm sure we'll have more days like this before the real autumn and winter seasons arrive.


Crescent Bay In Laguna Beach, from the south end looking north.


Sydney, having fun.


Jeff and Martin.


Lizz, Christy, and Lisa.


Arrgh! That be one motley looking crew.


The group, sans Harrower--not quite complete.


The tidepools.


Go ahead, stick your finger in. I dog dare you.


Sydney at the tidepools.


The water was very clear, but got pretty chilly out on the deeper-water reefs.

New Photo


Sydney and Bryce. The last photo before lizz's camera fell in the water and was ruined. Not a bad last hurrah, if you ask me.